Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1887-08-19
he General and tho Mutiny.
r JAMES FRANKLIN FITS.

yerybody hates prefaces; but when
sr attempts to write upon such a sub
as this, he owes it to the hundreds of
sands of true soldiers who never fall
nor refused duty. to explain that
hy in our volunteer army during the
was thing of rare occurrence. When
ihappen, it was small in size, easily
sed, and produced no lasting results.
that there were exceptions to the rule,
that here and there body of soldiers
utempt to make themselves superior to
ary law and subordination, will not be
d by any one who had large expert
in the army. It was happy thing
the General in command over such
s kncw'how to put down the outbreak
the strong hand that was shown in the
which | am about to describe.
aying said SO much, [ should also say
the facts here related were not person.
known to me. The General referred
William H. Emory. late in command
e Nineteenth Army Corps, and now re-
living at an advanced age at Wash
pn-is we'll known to me. had the
pr to serve on his staff in the Shenan-
Valley, and I, in common with all
were brought near to him by duty,
ped to appreciate the stuff he was made
He was Colonel in the regulars,
t-Pointer, and had seen much service
ne the war of the rebellion began. He
led, and talked, and acted like an old
ban. He was stern or gentle, as occa-
required; in short, a very original
Facter, and type of soldier Of our old
that is rapidly passing away.
lould some scotfer doubt the truth of
STORY, request him to write to DR..
Ties W. Crary, Lake City, Minnesota.
Mg McClellan's Peninsular campaign
Rsral Emory commanded q brigade i'll
army, and DIR. Crazy, medical officer
ne same campaign, learned the facts at
time, and possibly witnessed the thrill
scene. In 1868 my regiment was serv-
in Louisiana. General Emory was
high in command there, and DR.. Crary
mustered to US rs an Assistant Sur
D., 1t was not long after the Doctor
|ea US that he repeated this story to me;
II is SO characteristic of the General
!! SO highly esteem the Doctor as q
lful gentleman as we'll as o good medi-
man, that l never doubted it. Those
do are at liberty to write to him.
was good regiment. 1t had already
sd Its eallantry in battle. The whole
aae was astounded when it refused duty.
" ii afterward appeared that the causes
Us dlscontent had been lurking and
wing for months. What was stranger
about 1t was the fact that the mutiny
Planned and matured in secret, with
'le knowledge or suspicion of single
lssloned officer or first sergeant.
NJ W blow was struck one morning at
lle roll-call. The muskets had been
Ae'' IL regimental line the night before,
u close of q hot days march, and COW
WIN rubber blankets to protect them
dew. AT reveille the first sergeants
out to call the roll of the companies.
a. n 1t was finished, they gave the order
s ~ arms. Not man obeyed.
~ ofderles stormed and expostulated.
we're quietly informed by some of the
'lat they need not get into passion;
arms Would not lie taken till the griev-
ysol lhe regiment were redressed.
w, w ofaerlies went to the Captains. The
Sa. came to the line, angry and stern,
sVna,mlanded their companies to take
Il, NOT a man stirred.
sG were getting decidedly serious.
lsF'lns wentin body to the Colonel,
p.ssnofled to him the condition Of things.
tns.1 duty, do they?" he said. We'll,
1-sAhow what's the trouble between you
,0uE men, gentlemen; but I guess they
VIII ieIase to obey me. Come along,
Vt Il Il see about this"
M may .oionel was brave and manly, and
e nsa respected him. He stood before
s ,-s =, OF the line, commanded atten-
Sot s,11 1hen gave the order to take arms.
II. " ), hahd was stirred.
i colonel was excited. He threat
s Iaesged, almost cried. Don't" he
W., uoa y disgrace me and yourselves in
1t ss VI like key. YOU, Colonel, voice sang out.
l W. am paid. we amt fed, and we
S Ia things shall be attended to right
ia teplled. "You are taking a poor
Ara SGl them. Trust to me, and I'll see
'ghted. Now-take-arms!!"